Texas Boat Registration Summary

Texas boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling,
registration, loan perfection, title search, and operational requirements for the
State of Texas. Additional boat registration and titling
resources can be found by visiting our State page as shown in the above
menu selections. Boat registration services, supplemental forms, and
historical research data are also available from our Services, Forms, and
Database pages.

The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.

Texas Boat Registration

Boat
Registration Statistics

There are
approximately 575,402 boats registered in the State of Texas. This accounts for
4.8% of all nationwide
registrations.

Texas Boat Numbering

The boat
registration number prefix for Texas is "TX". Registration
numbers must be displayed on all registered boats except those
which are Coast Guard documented.

Boat
Registration Agency

Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department

Boat
Registration Requirements

Registration is required on all boats sailboats under 14 feet in
length and non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, punts,
rowboats, and rubber rafts. Coast guard documented boats are
also subject to registration. Registration certificates are
renewed every 2 years in Texas.

Boat
Title Requirements

Titling is
required on all registered boats in Texas, except those which are Coast
Guard documented.

Bonded Boat Titling

Texas has provisions for bonded boat titling.

Statutory Boat Liens

Texas has
provisions for titling or registering a boat subject to a
storage, storage, or mechanic's possessory lien.

Boat
Registration Records

Boat or
outboard motor title and registration records in Texas are
administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.. If you
need further boat or motor details, lien-holder information, or
historical data, it will be necessary to submit a written
request. Boat
registration records are maintained for 10 years in Texas.

State Boat Tax

Sales tax
applies to boat transactions in Texas.

Boat
Loan Perfection

Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented.

Boat Ownership Methods

Co-owners may
designate "rights of survivorship" when applying for a
registration or title.

Boat
Residency Requirements

Owner
residency is not required for registration, but the boat must be
located within the State of Texas.

Bat
Hull Number Inspections

A hull
inspection by a Texas law enforcement official is required if
there is a discrepancy or for boats
requiring a state assigned hull number.

Boat
Reporting Requirements

Transfers of
ownership, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days.

Outboard Boat Motors

All outboard
motors, except electric trolling motors, are subject to titling,
but not registration.

Boat Trailers

Boat trailer
registration is required in Texas. Titling is required for those
weighing over 4,000 lbs. Titles are not available for those
weighing less.

Notary Regulations

Notary
commissions are for 4 years, a $10,000 bond is required, and notary
seals must be embossed or stamped in a manner that is
photographically reproducible.